The Workshop on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean – Enhancing Regional Information Sharing was held from 10 to 12 June 2024 in New Delhi, India. Organized by the Government of Australia, this workshop focused on the critical enabler of maritime security: shared situational awareness.

The workshop explored the necessity for collaboration among regional and international organizations, including the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and IORA, in facilitating effective MDA. Discussions centered on information-sharing architectures, technological solutions, and the procedural frameworks needed to create a common operating picture of the maritime domain.

IORA's participation, though on virtual mode, highlighted the need for deeper cooperation among organizations to avoid duplication and enhance collective maritime safety and security. For IORA, this event provided valuable insights into strengthening its own information-sharing initiatives and fostering synergistic partnerships, directly contributing to a more secure and monitored Indian Ocean.